AustLit

Editor's note: Much of this issue's content is taken from the Aboriginal Land Rights Commission Second Report which was released in May. The Australian Government has already indicated that it accepts the findings of the Commissioner Mr Justice Woodward 'in principle'.

'The cover illustration shows the park painting which accompanied the Yirrkala petition for land rights to the Australian Parliament in 1963.'

Epigraph:

Governor Darling's Instruction

17th July, 1825

"...And it is our further will and pleasure that you do, to the utmost of your power, promote religion and education among the native inhabitants of our said Colony, or of the lands and islands thereto adjoining: and that you do especially take care to protect them in their persons, and in the free enjoyment of their possessions, and that you do by all lawful means prevent and restrain all violence and injustice, which may in any manner be practiced or attempted against them; and that you take such measures as my appear to you ... to be necessary for their conversion to the Christian Faith, and for their advancement in civilisation."

Epigraph:

"At the white man's school, what are our children taught?

Are they told of the battles our people fought?

Are they told how our people died?

Are they told why the women cried?

Australia's history is never read,

But the black man keeps it in his head." - Bunji, 1972

Only literary material within AustLit's scope individually indexed. Other material in this issue includes:

• Aboriginal Land Rights Commission - Second Report - The Recommendations - Summary